Newburgh - Some are following a dream to play professionally. Others have hope of making it on to a Division I basketball roster. Still another simply wants to play the game, no matter what the result. Despite their individual motivations for wearing a Hudson Valley Hype basketball team singlet, each of its nine members share a common thread, an undeniable passion for the game.
It’s that love for the game that incited Derrick Goodman to form the latest addition to the Eastern Basketball Alliance (EBA), the Hudson Valley Hype. Given its official entry status about six months ago, the amateur level Hudson Valley Hype Express squad has nine members, whose credentials range from high school to Division I collegiate court time. Each loves the game, but was frustrated by the limited, formal area venues available to practice their craft. For a long time it looked as though a biweekly pickup game at Newburgh’s Gold’s Gym would be their only option.
"This team was literally formed out of desperation," said its President Goodman. "A bunch of us were looking to test ourselves, looking for a higher level of competition, and we found nothing in the area, so we set out to create something where guys who work 9-5 and are mostly past college age can get that challenge."
After many long hours, Goodman and company made good on that quest. In July, 2009 they became the 19th member of the competitive EBA. Dubbing themselves the Hudson Valley Hype, the team is composed of members from Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan Counties, as well as New York City and Connecticut. During the workday they bear such titles as deliverymen, construction managers, burger flippers, and department store clerks. For many, much of their remaining time is devoted to fatherhood. Whatever is left is given to basketball. Many find a couple nights during the week to hone their craft on the Gold’s Gym hardwood. Others squeeze in whatever time they can to dribble, pass, shoot, wherever they spot a backboard and rim.
"Being on this team is the next step," said member Allen Bickett, whose collegiate playing days were cut short when work and school demands mounted.
"I joined this team so I could continue to play the game of basketball that I love as well as to have the chance to travel," said the team’s youngest member, 22 year old Glenn Green of Newburgh. "It is a lot of fun, but it can be hard because we really only get to play together as a team during the games because of people’s work schedules and living all over the place."
Those challenges have left the new team with an early season 0-2 mark, but for now records aren’t the priority.
"I had more fun than I have ever had playing a game during one of those really big losses," recalled a smiling Goodman. "This is all about following your dreams, and showing kids that it’s never too late; we also want to show younger people it’s not just about basketball, but giving back to your community."
The Hype has made good on that goal. To date, they have donated supplies to a local animal hospital and Newburgh’s Head Start, delivered Thanksgiving pies to Newburgh’s Baptist Temple as well as distributed Christmas gifts to St. Lukes’ Emergency Room and the City of Newburgh Police Department for children.
"Kids need to know, no matter the odds or where they have been, they can make it back to where they want to be," added Goodman.
That advice is being heeded by one of the Hype’s members himself, Randy Adams of Wappinger’s Falls. After playing for Ulster County Community College a few years back, Adams is hoping his Hype playing numbers might result in a walk-on nod at the University of Connecticut in the fall. Taking a break from college, while working full-time, Adams could not be more excited about what lies ahead for his current team.
"This is a great group of guys, who really wants to play the game and play it the right way," said Adams after an informal practice at Golds. "We really want to make this about good family fun and be role models."
Fans can have a chance to check out the Hype when they make their home debut at Pine Bush High School, Saturday, February 6th at 7 p.m. They return to the Pine Bush court Sunday, February 7th for a 3 p.m. tipoff.
Although the Pine Bush locale is secured for the home openers, the team finds itself without a stage for its remaining three home contests; February 21st and 28th and March 6th.
"It’s been really tough finding a place to hold our home games; so many of the places are already booked or there is another obstacle," explained Goodman. "We’re not going to give up though; we have worked way too hard to make all this happen, and we just have to keep on going."
For more information on the Hudson Valley Hype, log on to Hudsonvalleyhype.com.
